Preview — A Lady Never Tells
by Candace Camp

Meet three noble bachelors and a quartet of American girls of questionable manners! New York Times bestselling author Candace Camp delights with an exciting new series featuring love, laughter, and intrigue.

When Mary Bascombe’s stepfather tries to sell her and her sisters to the highest bidder after their mother’s death, she resolves to take drastic action. Although the

Meet three noble bachelors and a quartet of American girls of questionable manners! New York Times bestselling author Candace Camp delights with an exciting new series featuring love, laughter, and intrigue.

When Mary Bascombe’s stepfather tries to sell her and her sisters to the highest bidder after their mother’s death, she resolves to take drastic action. Although their British mother was estranged from her family, Mary decides the four will flee to London and take their place in society as granddaughters of the Earl of Stewkesbury.

Dashing Sir Royce Winslow doubts the honesty of the young women’s claim—despite their charms, they seem to be hiding something. His attraction to feisty Mary, however, is no ruse, so when the sisters are shipped off to Willowmere, the earl’s country estate, to acquire some polish, Royce is quick to join them. When an unknown villain attempts a kidnapping, Royce and Mary are thrown together as they confront the danger . . . and Royce learns that while high society may sing the praises of proper behavior, it is a most improper American who is winning his heart.

So, I got this book from Goodreads First Reads about--well, let's just say a long time ago since I can't remember when I got it. Suffice it to say, I've had it for quite a while and never got around to reading it. Honestly, I didn't think that I was going to like the book. However, I was wrong...

I really, really liked this book and I thought that it was hilarious a lot of the time. I loved all the characters: the 4 sisters--Mary, Rose, Camellia, and Lily, the 3 brothers--Royce, Oliver, and Fitz,So, I got this book from Goodreads First Reads about--well, let's just say a long time ago since I can't remember when I got it. Suffice it to say, I've had it for quite a while and never got around to reading it. Honestly, I didn't think that I was going to like the book. However, I was wrong...

I really, really liked this book and I thought that it was hilarious a lot of the time. I loved all the characters: the 4 sisters--Mary, Rose, Camellia, and Lily, the 3 brothers--Royce, Oliver, and Fitz, Pirate the dog, Lady Vivian Carlyle, and Cousin Charlotte. They were all enjoyable in their own right, but the one that I enjoyed the most was Vivian and I look forward to reading about her and Oliver. I liked the plot, too, even if it wasn't completely and totally original, and I enjoyed reading it.

However, there is two things that I thought were especially dumb. I will start with the lesser of the two evils and then go into the dumbest part of all:

1. I know that as the reader, I am able to see things more circumspectly than the people actually in the book, but I could not believe that Mary couldn't see that Lady Sabrina was a bitch from the start. She was clearly a conniving snake who wanted to make sure that she was the best at everything, no matter what she had to do.

2. Now, the thing that I thought was the dumbest was that the girls never told Royce, Oliver, or Fitz about their vile stepfather, Cosmo, until page 401 (out 451 pages!). Don't you think that is someone has repeatedly tried to kidnap one of your sisters that you would tell everything to the people trying to help protect and take care of you? I don't know; it might just be me. But I found it completely illogical and irrational not to tell the men about the man! Just because it seemed unlikely that he would follow you across the pond from America to England doesn't mean that it's impossible! I don't know, for four seemingly intelligent women, that was an extraordinarily bad move.

Those two things are what brought the rating down to 3.75 stars.

Finally, I just want to say that I really love the cover of this book. I really, really do; the woman looks like she's got a secret. However, there is one thing that bothered me every single time I looked at the cover because, once I noticed it, my eye always went to it! On one of the eyes, there is a white spot, almost like a flash. It's a small thing that many may not have noticed. However, I did and it has been circled in the picture below because I need evidence to prove I'm not nuts. Alas, I am not, thank you very much!

(1824, London and the Lake District)This is my third Candace Camp book in recent memory and I am coming to realize that she will probably never be one of my favorite historical romance authors. To sum up my complaints of this book: it basically lacked spark. The main characters were inaccessible (hero), or even worse, annoying (heroine); the chemistry between them was nonexistent; the mystery subplot was contrived, hard to believe, and not well done. TheLacked any spark; definitely not a keeper

(1824, London and the Lake District)This is my third Candace Camp book in recent memory and I am coming to realize that she will probably never be one of my favorite historical romance authors. To sum up my complaints of this book: it basically lacked spark. The main characters were inaccessible (hero), or even worse, annoying (heroine); the chemistry between them was nonexistent; the mystery subplot was contrived, hard to believe, and not well done. The lighter moments between the three brothers brought some humor and the supporting character of Lady Vivian was very interesting, but neither of these aspects could by any means save A Lady Never Tells.

WILLOWMERE SISTER SERIESThis is the first book in the Willowmere series and will be followed next month by A Gentleman Always Remembers, starring Fitzhugh, the Earl and Royce's half-brother, as the hero.

CAMP'S WRITING STYLEI read The Marriage Wager (3 stars) and The Bridal Quest (4 stars) last year, Books 1 and 2 of her Matchmaker Series, and though I enjoyed the latter, I could not get beyond one aspect of her writing style: she always writes almost solely from the heroine's POV. Before reading The Marriage Wager, I'd never read a book by an author who does that and it drove me absolutely nuts! It leaves the hero a complete enigma and definitely stops you from being able to fully understand or appreciate either him or the developing romantic relationship.

Another thing that drove me crazy in this book is that you never know anyone's ages - it's more annoying than it sounds. We find out on page 176 that Mary is 25 years old (at least, that's what I'm assuming from what she says there), and we know the evil Lady Sabrina is in her early 30s; other than that, nothing! I thought that Lily was in her pre-teens or early teens (more on that later), but in one section of the book she says that she was 14 "ages ago."

THE SISTERSI was not extremely fond of the Bascombe sisters - Mary, Rose, Camellia, and Lily. I found Mary to be too hot-headed, rash, emotional, and stubborn, and all of them could be extremely immature (them constantly being referred to as "the girls" probably didn't help). Throughout the first part of the book I enjoyed Lily and Camellia's antics, thinking that they were both in their pre-teens or early teens. When I found out they were much older, however, their actions quickly took on a new light; their shenanigans and over-the-top reactions border on the ridiculous sometimes (the encounter from which they acquire their dog, Pirate, comes to mind).

THE ROMANCEAs previously said, writing almost solely from the heroine's POV leaves the hero inaccessible to the reader, so Royce remained a mystery to me for much of the book. I also felt his relationship with and feelings towards Oliver were not fully explored - as they could have been if we knew his thoughts!!

I'm always wary of romance books that feature an instant attraction, and so was disappointed when that seemed to be the direction the book was heading in with the first interaction between Mary and Royce. Not only that, but throughout the book I just did not feel any chemistry between these two characters. We are told about their attraction, but we aren't shown it.

When Royce kisses Mary for the first time on page 20 and they are both full of wonder and amazement, I knew that this was just not going to be my cup of tea. They don't even know each other and have just met for the first time an hour ago, yet she's already all aquiver (I'm telling you, if I have to read one more time about Royce's "broad shoulders and muscular thighs" I'm going to shoot someone). Mary experienced so much quivering, trembling and tingling that I worried for her health and Royce's eyes darken and burn so often that I wanted to tell him to go see an optometrist.

FINAL CRITICISMSAs I mentioned at the beginning, the mystery subplot left much to be desired. The added story of Royce's history with Lady Sabrina ended up just annoying me, because why would Mary so completely believe whatever this woman tells her? Also, when Royce explains that it all happened 12 years ago, Mary is still hung-up on it (12 years is a LONG time). Then, that she reads the old private correspondence between the two was completely despicable - and something she sadly never has to answer for. Finally, although historical romances are not known for their stellar titles, they're usually at least relevant; here I'm not even sure what the book's title refers to.[This review is of an advanced copy format of the book:]

Historical Romance set in the early 1800's. A fabulous start to the Willowmere Sisters series!

Mary Bascombe and her sisters have just gotten off the boat in London when she is robbed of some very important papers ...

Enter "White Knight", Sir Royce Winslow who saves the day and gets the papers back!

From here, they cannot seem to stay away from each other. Royce helps them find lodging for the night, he introduces them to his step-brother, the Earl of Stewkesbury and he confronts evil villains whoHistorical Romance set in the early 1800's. A fabulous start to the Willowmere Sisters series!

Mary Bascombe and her sisters have just gotten off the boat in London when she is robbed of some very important papers ...

Enter "White Knight", Sir Royce Winslow who saves the day and gets the papers back!

From here, they cannot seem to stay away from each other. Royce helps them find lodging for the night, he introduces them to his step-brother, the Earl of Stewkesbury and he confronts evil villains who are out to do harm to Mary & her sisters.

Will all end well in the end? Who are the bad guys? Check out this book to see what happens!

This was one of those books where I got to the end and I thought to myself "Hmm. That was nice. I liked those girls and their wacky shenanigans." That might sound like an insipid thing to say- "That was nice" - but it totally summed up my feelings. I felt good after reading it. There were a lot of little things I liked about the book. It didn't blow me away or anything but it left me smiling when I read that last page.

And that's what it's all about, guys.

Things I liked: The relationship betweenThis was one of those books where I got to the end and I thought to myself "Hmm. That was nice. I liked those girls and their wacky shenanigans." That might sound like an insipid thing to say- "That was nice" - but it totally summed up my feelings. I felt good after reading it. There were a lot of little things I liked about the book. It didn't blow me away or anything but it left me smiling when I read that last page.

And that's what it's all about, guys.

Things I liked: The relationship between the sisters. They were a unit, a team, a force to be reckoned it. They were ridiculously sefl-sufficient and could defend themselves in a pinch. I loved that the girls thought nothing about carrying a gun tucked away in their pocket or a knife strapped to their ankle. I loved everybody's reaction to them. Frankly, there are times when I'm reading historical romances where I want someone to explain to me why the rules always had to be followed. It was refreshing to have these girls ask those very questions. Just because something has always been done one way doesn't mean it always should be done that way.

I thought Royce and Mary were adorable together and I LOVED that she took responsibility for her actions. It was nice to have her tell him that he wasn't allowed to shoulder all the blame for their dalliances because she had been just as involved in their time together as he was.

All in all, I thought this was a fun read that had interesting characters and a breezy, light tone.

I'm sort of picky when it comes to historical romances. Sometimes I just don't like them for whatever reason, but this book I really happened to enjoy. If you like Lisa Kleypas' historical romances, you will most definitely enjoy this one as well.

A brief summary: Mary Bascombe and her three sisters: Rose, Camellia and Lily are on their way to London (from America) to find their grandfather The Earl of Stewkesbury. Their mother has recently died, and heI won this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

I'm sort of picky when it comes to historical romances. Sometimes I just don't like them for whatever reason, but this book I really happened to enjoy. If you like Lisa Kleypas' historical romances, you will most definitely enjoy this one as well.

A brief summary: Mary Bascombe and her three sisters: Rose, Camellia and Lily are on their way to London (from America) to find their grandfather The Earl of Stewkesbury. Their mother has recently died, and her last request was for them to find her estranged father in London and make a better life for themselves. All Mary wants to do is protect her sisters from their vile stepfather, but now that they have landed in London, she's not sure what to do. The last thing she expects is to be turned away by the Earl's servants because they don't believe she is truly related. And when Sir Royce Winslow offers to lend his assistance, Mary can't help but notice how attractive he is. To top off Mary and her sisters problems, it seems someone is out to harm them and Mary doesn't want to admit to Royce that she might know who it is.

I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the four sisters attitudes. Have you ever really wondered about some of traditions that you see in English society during this time period? Well Mary and her sisters often question why things are done, and it was rather amusing to see the responses they received. A lot of the humor in this book came from the sisters and their antics and behaviors and the reactions of their family (who were all pretty horrified by their behavior).

Mary and Royce were really great together, and they definitely burned up the pages with some of their love scenes. There was a nice amount of action and adventure as the sisters try to figure out who is trying to hurt them. Although it did get a little tiresome towards the end.

Overall, Camp's writing really drew me into the story and the cast of characters she created kept me glued to the pages. I found I wasn't distracted by the time period and was really able to enjoy the story which is something that doesn't happen often for me in this genre. I am already looking for the next book in the series so I can find out what happens to the other sisters.

Don't get me wrong I am a huge fan of Candace Camp's work, especially Mesmerized. However, I found this novel to be just okay. The four Willowmere sisters are fresh and new, if somewhat unbelievable characters for the time period in which this novel was set. They were spitfires, who lacked social training and basic etiquette. Camp describes them as the stereotypical American girls, rough around the edges but beautiful in their independence. However, it was quite annoying that these four sistersDon't get me wrong I am a huge fan of Candace Camp's work, especially Mesmerized. However, I found this novel to be just okay. The four Willowmere sisters are fresh and new, if somewhat unbelievable characters for the time period in which this novel was set. They were spitfires, who lacked social training and basic etiquette. Camp describes them as the stereotypical American girls, rough around the edges but beautiful in their independence. However, it was quite annoying that these four sisters refused to listen to their cousins or any man. For example, they were constantly being attacked but still refused male advice to stay inside until the culprit was caught or until they could be accompanied. Moreover, even though they had some inkling of who was behind the attempted kidnappings, they refused to tell their cousins. It was frustrating reading about their stupidity and naivete.

Unfortunately, the romance side of the story did not help assauge my frustration with these sisters. Once again, I was bored by the story of a young woman who falls in love with a man, who clearly is not ready to commit or does not love her. However, this young woman blinded by love practically throws herself at this man, but when he asks her to marry him she refuses. If you're asking yourself, why the hell would she do that, join the club. Yet once again, a "heroine" of a historical romance novel refuses to marry the man she loves, after she has given herself to him. I'm so tired of this plot!

Overall I was disappointed. Candace Camp usually writes novels about independent young women, but the Willowmere sister's independence and pride went to a new level. And thrown in here was the typical plot - she loves him, he does not love her, she pursues him, she gives herself to him, he proposes, she refuses his marriage proposal, he pursues her, she relents once he tells her he loves her - THE END. It was simply just okay. ...more

Having read just a small stack of historical romances I think I am beginning to understand the common plot elements that most novels in the genre possess. I have also begun to see what is unique to each story and I think in A Lady Never Tells that would be the strong sense of family.

Right away we are introduced to the four Bascombe sisters, headed by eldest sister Mary. They are right off the boat from America and aren't afraid to use their mouths and weapons (seriously) to stop a thief from takHaving read just a small stack of historical romances I think I am beginning to understand the common plot elements that most novels in the genre possess. I have also begun to see what is unique to each story and I think in A Lady Never Tells that would be the strong sense of family.

Right away we are introduced to the four Bascombe sisters, headed by eldest sister Mary. They are right off the boat from America and aren't afraid to use their mouths and weapons (seriously) to stop a thief from taking a satchel of important papers. They are a refreshing family, unlike any I have seen so far in the historical romances I have read. They are a great match for the refined Sir Royce Winslow and his brothers. They are amused by each other because they are so very different. I never got tired of these characters! There are also secondary characters, cousins and friends that were really great as well!

The relationship between Mary and Royce while not an uncommon one in the genre is a lot of fun! It seems whenever these two are alone naughty things happen. So it should be said that A Lady Never tells is higher on the steamy scale. While their arguments were typical I still really enjoyed reading their story and carried it around with me everywhere I went most of the few days I was reading it.

I think this book is a great set up for the Willowmere trilogy and I simply cannot wait to read the next book, A Gentleman Always Remembers. I will be getting it as soon as it comes out!...more

Somehow this book was buried on my To Be Read bookshelf and has been sitting, forgotten, for almost 2 years! When I discovered it again, I read the back book summary and happily dove into the tale.

Four sisters travel from America in search of their grandfather. Their mother has recently died and they no longer feel safe living above the tavern owned by their stepfather. They escape to find a new and a better life and a family connection. Mary, being the oldest, leads her three younger sisters, RSomehow this book was buried on my To Be Read bookshelf and has been sitting, forgotten, for almost 2 years! When I discovered it again, I read the back book summary and happily dove into the tale.

Four sisters travel from America in search of their grandfather. Their mother has recently died and they no longer feel safe living above the tavern owned by their stepfather. They escape to find a new and a better life and a family connection. Mary, being the oldest, leads her three younger sisters, Rose, Camellia and Lily on this journey. When they find themselves on the docks in London they are out of their element, lost and more than discouraged. But when things seem to go from bad to worse, they meet an unlikely hero in Sir Royce Winslow. He takes the young and intriguing Bascombe girls under his wing and soon discovers an unexpected connection.

This book was really quite excellent. I am sorry that it sat collecting dust for so long. Immediately I was immersed in the story and invested in its characters. Mary and her crazy American sisters were humorous and they inspired affection. I really connected with the characters and I was only a few pages into the story when the author elicited the first tears from my eyes. I really got emotional with this story and when Mary gets her feelings hurt, I found myself sharing in her pain.

The chemistry between Royce and Mary is electric and watching them fight their feelings and flounder in their romance was an experience. The author wrote Royce as a compassionate, alpha male. He’s sexy and loveable, but at times completely clueless on how to deal with women and relationships. I found myself alternating between feeling sorry for him and wanting to smack him upside the head. But all the while I adored him.

I loved how these girls took on the aristocratic English world and made their place among them. They never strayed far from their spirited ways but learned to adapt without losing themselves. This book made me laugh and made me cry and mostly it made me want to read more. I went ahead and ordered the last two books in this series and I know they will not sit around long enough to collect dust.

Mary Bascombe is a woman on a mission. With her father died her mother confessing, moments before dieing, she is granddaughter to the Earl of Stewkesbury. Now Mary must cross the dangerous waters of the Atlantic with her three sisters in hopes for a better life. They leave behind all they know, including a sinister step-father who wishes to sell the girls for profit. The four young woman are an independent and wildly bunch who stick together when danger arises and someone tries kidnapping theirMary Bascombe is a woman on a mission. With her father died her mother confessing, moments before dieing, she is granddaughter to the Earl of Stewkesbury. Now Mary must cross the dangerous waters of the Atlantic with her three sisters in hopes for a better life. They leave behind all they know, including a sinister step-father who wishes to sell the girls for profit. The four young woman are an independent and wildly bunch who stick together when danger arises and someone tries kidnapping their sister, Rose.

Sir Royce Winslow is a man in the right place at the right time. When the girls papers are stolen, which will prove who they are to the Earl, Royce apprehends the culprit. He lays eyes on the four feisty woman but it is Mary that pulls at his heart. When he learns of their lineage, Royce brings them to see the predecessor to the Earl, whom is his step brother through marriage. The girls are then sent to Willowmere, the earl's country estate, to be polished and learn the ways of an English Lady. However, Royce can't help himself and he joins them. Mary is a welcomed relief to the stuffy and rule abiding ladies he's used to. Now, if only he can only keep the girls safe and win Mary's heart, the world would be perfect.

I was very submerged in this novel. Actually, today I looked for the followup to it so that I can put it on my TRL (to read list). Being one who has read very few historic novels, I found Ms. Camp's rendition of the time knowledgeable and believable. I could see the dresses and male attire clearly, hear their way of talk and understand what was expected of them during this age of time. The emotional and sexually pull between the two main characters was brilliantly played out and I didn't mind having to wait close to 230 pages for them to finally consummate their yearnings. I can fully admit, I appreciate a good sex scene and I wasn't disappointed. All and all, the book was a wonderful read which had me thirsting for more....more

An Historical romance set in the early 1800's Mary Bascombe and her sisters have just gotten off the boat in London. When she is robbed of some important papers.Enter her White Knight, Sir Royce Winslow who gets her papers back for her and saves the day.From her on they cannot stay away from each other. He helps them find lodging and introduces them to stepbrother the Earl of Stewkesbury and he confronts villians who are out to harm Mary and her sisters .Will it end well? Why are the bad guys afAn Historical romance set in the early 1800's Mary Bascombe and her sisters have just gotten off the boat in London. When she is robbed of some important papers.Enter her White Knight, Sir Royce Winslow who gets her papers back for her and saves the day.From her on they cannot stay away from each other. He helps them find lodging and introduces them to stepbrother the Earl of Stewkesbury and he confronts villians who are out to harm Mary and her sisters .Will it end well? Why are the bad guys after them and who are they?...more

After Mary's mother dies and she and her three sisters are left with their stepfather who wants to sell them, she takes herself and her sisters to seek refuge from their grandfather who is a Earl in England. Upon arriving however things are not what they expect, finding out their grandfather has passed away and they need to seek refuge from a cousin who is the current Earl of Stewkesbury. At first Mary is reluctant to do all that is required, to accept everything that are given to them because oAfter Mary's mother dies and she and her three sisters are left with their stepfather who wants to sell them, she takes herself and her sisters to seek refuge from their grandfather who is a Earl in England. Upon arriving however things are not what they expect, finding out their grandfather has passed away and they need to seek refuge from a cousin who is the current Earl of Stewkesbury. At first Mary is reluctant to do all that is required, to accept everything that are given to them because of their connection to the Earl. However she knows that she needs to do what is best for her and her sisters and their future. Sir Royce Winslow, when first seeing Mary and her sisters is very doubtful of their true identity, for they are a bit wild and nothing like any ladies he has ever met before. When the true identity is confirmed he is around Mary more and more, and he feels a pulling force toward Mary and her fiery spirit. But when danger comes lurking around the sisters, Royce is more protective of Mary than ever, and as desire sparks between Royce and Mary so does Love, and even though he has never wanted marriage before now he realizes that he does with only One woman...Its been quite some time since I have read Candace Camp, and so when I read the blurb on A Lady Never Tells I knew I just had to read it, and the cover definitely drew me in. A Lady Never Tells is the first installment of one of her more recent series, and I think from the first page I just fell in love with each and every one of the characters. Especially the sisters, they were charming and made me wish I had such sisters, that way I would never ever be bored. Even though I haven't read many books from this author, I always enjoy her stories, and they always tend to make me fall madly in love with plot and characters. One of my favorite things about A Lady Never Tells is how delectable it was, the characters beyond endearing and the plot utterly delightful!!! Just LOVED It!!!...more

Love historical Romance novels have read the reviews it is either a hit or a dud. But from those that have loved it, I seem to think similarly so I am excited to read it.

Just finished it and loved it! I had read the reviews before hand and there are those that gave it a bad review based on the opinion that too many characters were introduced and the relationship was strained or too slow to heat up till after the middle of a 400+ page book. Several mentioned no chemistry.

I really really enjoyed tLove historical Romance novels have read the reviews it is either a hit or a dud. But from those that have loved it, I seem to think similarly so I am excited to read it.

Just finished it and loved it! I had read the reviews before hand and there are those that gave it a bad review based on the opinion that too many characters were introduced and the relationship was strained or too slow to heat up till after the middle of a 400+ page book. Several mentioned no chemistry.

I really really enjoyed the book. It is the story of Mary and Royce. May has 3 sisters she has been responsible for, for most of her life. She has come to England from America in the early 1800's to find her moms family when her mom dies. In America she lived a commoners life with her family. Her family in England is anything but.

This is a book in a series, I thought that the relationship between Mary and her sisters was important to establish the grounds for additional books. She weaves a wonderful tale allowing you to have very found feelings for all the siblings. Enough so that you will seek out the opportunity to read more in the series. Her American independent spirit comes forth and is entreating to Royce who's Aristocratic personality/ family history is a draw to her. They both have secrets and that is what causes the emotional tug of war between them. His bad moods are because of his strong physical attraction to her and that he cant act on it because he is her guardian. So, I feel there was a lot of chemistry. It s a great pool read, its a great read for anyone who wants a clean read that you would not mind sharing with your church book club. Or your daughter/ mother/grand mother. But that is the type I appreciate most. Excited to read another in the series. ...more

I had such high hopes for this one. I was ready and willing to give it every chance, but it disappointed. I'm afraid that the romance genre is feeling rather washed out to me at the moment. Everything is so DONE! There was nothing really original about it. I firmly believe that most of the romance novels hearken back to Gone With the Wind...boy meets girl, boy desires girl and girl desires boy, both are too stubborn to admit it, they're finally thrown together and must make something of the situI had such high hopes for this one. I was ready and willing to give it every chance, but it disappointed. I'm afraid that the romance genre is feeling rather washed out to me at the moment. Everything is so DONE! There was nothing really original about it. I firmly believe that most of the romance novels hearken back to Gone With the Wind...boy meets girl, boy desires girl and girl desires boy, both are too stubborn to admit it, they're finally thrown together and must make something of the situation.

What sets GWTW apart is that Scarlet doesn't get her happy ending. I like that. I like that she has to face down something she wasn't expecting and that she comes out stronger for it. This book was just so easily contrived and honestly, kind of bleh.

On another note, I've seen this book classified as 'young adult.' Um, no. Shouldn't be. At all. Sorry, but does a teenager really need to read something like "she felt the hardness of his manhood pressing into her" for pages at a time? Nope. While I appreciate that Camp left some things to the imagination, she took it too far for me. I don't mind a romp in the hay here and there, but does every single encounter need to go into full on description mode?

Not a book I'd have picked up on my own, but I won the sequel in a Goodreads contest and felt obligated to read the first book first. I'll still read the sequel out of honoring my commitment to review for the publisher, but if there's a third, I'll skip it. I've better things to do with my time....more

I've really enjoyed some of Camp's previous books and I often think that in this genre books work best where they are in a series with some continuing characters, so I was looking forward to getting my teeth into the Willowmere series.

This is the first book in said series and although I didn't actively dislike it, I did find it a bit mediocre. A lot of plot elements seemed very reused and I always find the 'American girls coming over to England and catching eligible aristocratic batchelor' a bitI've really enjoyed some of Camp's previous books and I often think that in this genre books work best where they are in a series with some continuing characters, so I was looking forward to getting my teeth into the Willowmere series.

This is the first book in said series and although I didn't actively dislike it, I did find it a bit mediocre. A lot of plot elements seemed very reused and I always find the 'American girls coming over to England and catching eligible aristocratic batchelor' a bit too Mary-Sue-ish.

I didn't find it easy to like the heroine in this book all that much and it was difficult to see quite why the hero (who was likeable) would fall in love with her. Mary (or Marigold!) brings her sister to England to find their English family after their mother dies and they want to escape a somewhat unpleasant stepfather, but after this they all, but Mary in particular, do some pretty silly things. OK, they may not be up on British aristocratic ettiquette, but they seem to loose all common sense sometimes! Mary deliberately decides to conceal some important information and they go off on a jaunt whenever they feel like it, despite being attacked and suffering attempted abductions, and they seem to think it is unreasonable that the gentlemen taking responsibility for them want to try and stop them exposing themselves to danger!

This is the first I read from this author.I am looking for different kind of story, well I am not certain if this story fits it. It started nicely, It is fast paced and very funny. I found myself laughing during reading the story. I thought the story is about the Bascombe's sisters from America. Well I got disappointed that it is not about, although they are a big part of the series. It is very hard for to put my feelings to this book. I liked that characters of story, especially one of the sistThis is the first I read from this author.I am looking for different kind of story, well I am not certain if this story fits it. It started nicely, It is fast paced and very funny. I found myself laughing during reading the story. I thought the story is about the Bascombe's sisters from America. Well I got disappointed that it is not about, although they are a big part of the series. It is very hard for to put my feelings to this book. I liked that characters of story, especially one of the sisters Cam. For heroine, independent and loved her sisters. She sometimes very frustrating, the conflict and tag of war between her and hero some what annoying already. One they kiss and about to make love and fight and argue and again kiss. What a cycle! It really got me bored and almost I don't want to finish the book. I don't understand why some story is like this, it is better to face your fear and gamble everything than waiting for something that will happen to you to realize you love a person. Which is always occur towards at the end part of the story.

While I am reading I am already debating if I will read the other 2 books, and if I should give 2 1/2 stars or 3 stars. I am settling for 3 stars because even if I had frustrations and some part really got me bored. I still had quite laughs for the easy banters that characters had.

Maybe in time I will pick again from this series, but not right after finishing this book. :)...more

I very much enjoyed reading Candace Camp’s A Lady Never Tells. It was a fun and witty story about four American sister’s journey to a completely different world than what they know and how they survive and cope through the Tons strict (and in their American raised opinions) ridiculous rules and regulations. Once in England they must search out their estranged relatives; hoping they will be welcome as they struggle along the road to learning to becoming Ladies. The sisters hope to be accepted an I very much enjoyed reading Candace Camp’s A Lady Never Tells. It was a fun and witty story about four American sister’s journey to a completely different world than what they know and how they survive and cope through the Tons strict (and in their American raised opinions) ridiculous rules and regulations. Once in England they must search out their estranged relatives; hoping they will be welcome as they struggle along the road to learning to becoming Ladies. The sisters hope to be accepted and welcomed in by London Society, and in the process of becoming Ladies not expose themselves as the hoydens that they are and be ridiculed and shunned. To make matters worse for these unbred girls, danger has followed them to England and wishes them harm. This story was well written and flowed smoothly. I had a continual grin on my face, and laughed often while reading the sister’s reactions and results of trying to learn and follow the rules of the Ton. The main love story is between Mary Bascombe, the oldest of the four sisters, and her new found cousin’s stepbrother Sir Royce. I enjoyed following their love story and found myself VERY intrigued in knowing the love stories of her sisters and their relatives. I hope to read many more stories about the Bascombe sisters and their Talbot relatives. ...more

This romance has a few bumps, but I still enjoyed it. The novel begins with the arrival of the four American Bascombe sisters in London. All four are named after flowers (Marigold/Mary, Rose, Lily, and Camellia), and they are there to throw themselves on the mercy of their maternal grandfather, the Earl of Stewkesbury, who disinherited their mother when she eloped with their father. Unfortunately, the old Earl has died, and the girls’ cousin Oliver is the new Earl. Thanks to the intervention ofThis romance has a few bumps, but I still enjoyed it. The novel begins with the arrival of the four American Bascombe sisters in London. All four are named after flowers (Marigold/Mary, Rose, Lily, and Camellia), and they are there to throw themselves on the mercy of their maternal grandfather, the Earl of Stewkesbury, who disinherited their mother when she eloped with their father. Unfortunately, the old Earl has died, and the girls’ cousin Oliver is the new Earl. Thanks to the intervention of Sir Royce Winslow, the Earl’s step-brother, the girls are acquainted with the new Earl and he will provide for them to make their debuts among the ton. This novel focuses on the romance between Sir Royce and Mary. The best parts of the novel are the frequent misunderstandings caused by the American sisters, who have no clue how to comport themselves in high society. ...more

I love Candace Camp books. This story finds four American girls (sisters) sitting on the docks trying to decide what to do now. They have made it to England and are finding it much bigger and dirtier than they anticipated. Well a thief comes up and steals their bag and they ...well do not reach the normal way (for Enlish Ladies) and end up meeting Sir Royce. Eventually they find the home of their grandfather and try to get to know their estranged family. Things are not how they expected to findI love Candace Camp books. This story finds four American girls (sisters) sitting on the docks trying to decide what to do now. They have made it to England and are finding it much bigger and dirtier than they anticipated. Well a thief comes up and steals their bag and they ...well do not reach the normal way (for Enlish Ladies) and end up meeting Sir Royce. Eventually they find the home of their grandfather and try to get to know their estranged family. Things are not how they expected to find them and they are no where near what the Earl would expect to have the resposibility of. (Royce, Mary, Sam, Rose, Lily, Camillia, Oliver, Lady Vivian, Lady Charlotte, Lady Sabrina and Cosmo)...more

This author was a new one for me, and I hadn't read anything about her work before I checked two of her books out the library. I really enjoyed this novel, especially because the heroine and her sisters weren't swanning English misses -- they rough and tumble American women who just happened to be the granddaughters of an earl. And the way the romance blossomed was well handled as well. I thought the "mystery" left something to be desired as it was fairly clear who was the culprit, but a coupleThis author was a new one for me, and I hadn't read anything about her work before I checked two of her books out the library. I really enjoyed this novel, especially because the heroine and her sisters weren't swanning English misses -- they rough and tumble American women who just happened to be the granddaughters of an earl. And the way the romance blossomed was well handled as well. I thought the "mystery" left something to be desired as it was fairly clear who was the culprit, but a couple neat twists at the end made of for that lack. I have already placed a hold on the next in this series, and I am starting another series from this same author....more

This book was quite abit of fun. Candace Camp wove a story of mystery and adventure in ton society. Mary is a willful creature, as are her three sisters, independent and fresh in the face of English society. Royce is an honorable man himself and when he sets out to help four lost girls, he ends up on a whirlwind adventure and spirals right into love with Mary, although he has a tough time admitting it as their need to be together grows. Learning to be ladies is tough, but these four power througThis book was quite abit of fun. Candace Camp wove a story of mystery and adventure in ton society. Mary is a willful creature, as are her three sisters, independent and fresh in the face of English society. Royce is an honorable man himself and when he sets out to help four lost girls, he ends up on a whirlwind adventure and spirals right into love with Mary, although he has a tough time admitting it as their need to be together grows. Learning to be ladies is tough, but these four power through it all, despite two-faced ladies like Lady Sabrina and the powerful, close - lipped aunt Euphronia. With a man after them as well, well, you'll just have to read it to believe it....more

Candace Camp is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books.

Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.

Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the motCandace Camp is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books.

Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.

Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus....more